Thailand’s cabinet has approved an extended five-day New Year holiday, adding Friday, Jan 2, 2026, as a special public holiday in a move aimed at stimulating domestic tourism and invigorating the national economy.
The New Year break will now span from Wednesday, Dec 31, 2025, through to Sunday, Jan 4, 2026.
The full holiday schedule includes New Year’s Eve on Dec 31, New Year’s Day on Jan 1, the newly declared special holiday on Jan 2, and the weekend of Jan 3–4. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports welcomed the move, saying it would help drive domestic travel and support local businesses still recovering from global economic headwinds.
“This extended break is not just about celebration—it’s a strategic push to revitalise tourism and stimulate spending,” a government spokesperson said. “We expect a surge in hotel bookings, transport usage and local commerce.”
The cabinet also confirmed that Jan 2, 2026 will be recognised as a bank holiday, ensuring financial institutions will close nationwide. However, the private sector may observe the holiday differently. Employers are advised to communicate clearly with staff regarding company-specific policies. Labour officials noted that while the holiday is officially sanctioned, private companies retain discretion over its observance. Employees are encouraged to check with their HR departments or management teams to confirm their leave entitlements.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand is expected to launch promotional campaigns in the coming weeks to capitalise on the extended break, with special travel packages and events planned across major provinces.
Full list of 2026 official Thailand holidays
January
- Jan 1 (Thu) – New Year’s Day
- Jan 2 (Fri) – Special Holiday
March
- Mar 3 (Tue) – Makha Bucha Day
April
- Apr 6 (Mon) – Chakri Memorial Day
- Apr 13 (Mon) – Songkran Festival
- Apr 14 (Tue) – Songkran Festival
- Apr 15 (Wed) – Songkran Festival
May
- May 1 (Fri) – National Labour Day
- May 4 (Mon) – Coronation Day
- May (TBA) – Visakha Bucha Day (date to be announced)
June
- Jun 1 (Mon) – H.M. Queen Suthida’s Birthday
- Jun 3 (Wed) – H.M. Queen Suthida’s Birthday (observed)
July
- Jul 28 (Tue) – H.M. King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s Birthday
- Jul 29 (Wed) – Asarnha Bucha Day
- Jul 30 (Thu) – Buddhist Lent Day
August
- Aug 12 (Wed) – H.M. Queen Mother’s Birthday / Mother’s Day
October
- Oct 13 (Tue) – H.M. King Bhumibol Memorial Day
- Oct 23 (Fri) – King Chulalongkorn Memorial Day
December
- Dec 7 (Mon) – Substitute Holiday for Father’s Day
- Dec 10 (Thu) – Constitution Day
- Dec 31 (Thu) – New Year’s Eve
Source: Bangkok Post